Better Learning Podcast

About Better Learning Podcast

The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like "The John Keating Award" for standout teachers and "Realistic or Ridiculous?" to dissect school life portrayals. With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you're an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites at betterlearningpodcast.com. The Better Learning Podcast is hosted by Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve and author of Creating Better Learning Environments. The podcast is also associated with other organizations that are focused on improving education including the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO) and the Second Class Foundation.

Publisher

Kay-Twelve

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Aug 2022

Latest episode

28 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

292 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Oct 2026

   Radically Student Centered Leadership with Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez

   Katie Jubenville sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez, Superintendent of Central School District 104 in O'Fallon, Illinois, to discuss what it means to put students first in every decision. Drawing on more than 25 years in education, Dr. Rodriguez shares how her experiences as a teacher, school improvement director, and superintendent have shaped her approach to leadership. The conversation explores culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and how schools can create environments where students feel included, supported, and ready to learn. Dr. Rodriguez also discusses Girls Emerging as Women Leaders (GEWL), a program designed to help middle school girls build confidence and prepare for future leadership, and explains how consistent progress monitoring and multi-tiered systems of support have helped improve student outcomes. From learning to advocate for students' needs to building a culture of belonging, Dr. Rodriguez offers a practical perspective on what radically student-centered leadership looks like in action. Key Takeaways Putting students first means being willing to challenge the status quo Dr. Rodriguez reflects on a mentor who transformed her understanding of leadership and taught her to stand firm in doing what is best for children. She explains why student-centered decisions sometimes require perseverance, even when others disagree. Culturally responsive teaching helps students feel they belong Students bring different cultural backgrounds, experiences, and ways of understanding the world into the classroom. Dr. Rodriguez shares examples of how recognizing and celebrating those differences can strengthen relationships, engagement, and the wider school community. Trauma-informed practices support the whole child Students and staff may carry challenges that are not immediately visible. Dr. Rodriguez discusses practical approaches, including mindful minutes, grounding activities, restorative conversations, and ongoing support, that help schools respond to students' academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. Young women need opportunities to build confidence and leadership skills early Through Girls Emerging as Women Leaders (GEWL), Dr. Rodriguez helps middle school girls explore self-esteem, body image, human rights, and leadership. She explains why she believes these conversations should begin before girls reach high school and how the program has grown since its launch. Consistent progress monitoring helps schools respond before students fall behind Dr. Rodriguez explains how assessment, regular progress monitoring, and multi-tiered systems of support help educators identify learning needs and provide targeted interventions. She shares how this approach has contributed to stronger early learning outcomes in her district. About Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez is a passionate, purposeful, and proud woman leader in her 10th year as a School District Superintendent. She is a wife, mom, and Gaga. A proud graduate of the Illinois IASA School for Advanced Leadership and Elevate programs, she is active in Women Leadership cohorts. A participant in the National Transformational Leaders Consortium and Harvard's Division of Continuing Education Professional & Executive Development program, she has served in educational leadership for more than 20 years as a consultant, mentor, coach, elementary teacher, director, central office administrator and most recently created the Girls Emerging as Women Leaders (GEWL) program to create and impact the next generation of female leaders. She has authored two books, Becoming ME, The Life Experiences of a Dysfunctional Soul and 15 Lessons Learning in Helping You Find Yourself and You're Not Alone: 12 Simple Steps to Perfecting Leadership, a quick guide for leaders. She owns Becoming ME Enterprises, LLC, along with co-authoring both Leadership Implications for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning Programs to Close the Achievement Gap and Developing Early Warning Tracking Dashboards. Dr. Rodriguez received the Racial Harmony Phenomenal Woman of the Metropolitan St. Louis award, along with Who's Who Among Educators in 2009. Our Partners Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) (https://www.a4le.org/) Education Leaders' Organization (https://www.ed-leaders.org/) Second Class Foundation (https://secondclassfoundation.org/) EDmarket (https://www.edmarket.org/) Catapult @ Penn GSE (https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/) Want to be a guest speaker? Submit a request on our website.

2. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Building Bridges through Unified Learning Strategies with Jeremy Calles

   Jeff Kubiak sits down with Jeremy Calle, Superintendent of Tolleson Union High School District in Arizona's West Valley, to discuss student-centered leadership, district growth, and helping every student find a path beyond high school. Drawing on six years as the district's Chief Financial Officer before becoming superintendent, Jeremy shares how his background in finance and operations shapes his approach to facilities, staffing, and academic improvement. The conversation explores Commitment Day, an annual event that connects every senior with colleges, trade schools, employers, and military representatives to help them plan their next steps. Jeremy also discusses the district's plans for new high schools, why students should have a voice in campus design, and how listening to staff and community members helps guide decisions. From improving accessibility and supporting students from diverse backgrounds to balancing financial priorities, Jeremy explains why putting all students first means continually asking what schools can do better. Key Takeaways: Student-centered leadership means creating opportunities, not just setting expectations Jeremy shares how his own experience of graduating high school without a plan inspired Commitment Day. By connecting students with colleges, trade schools, employers, and military representatives, the district helps them explore realistic pathways and find people who can show them how to get there. One district, one path starts with a shared purpose With multiple campuses and different school cultures, keeping everyone moving in the same direction requires a common commitment to students. Jeremy explains how the district's annual themes help reinforce that purpose and encourage teams to keep improving year after year. Students should have a voice in the design of their schools Through conversations with student government, Jeremy has heard ideas that directly shaped campus improvements. At Sierra Linda High School, for example, students helped turn an underused area of rocks and dirt into a shaded turf space that now supports lunch, clubs, and school events. Leadership means knowing your strengths and building around your weaknesses Jeremy explains how his financial background helps him understand what is possible with district resources, while also recognizing that curriculum and instruction require different expertise. By bringing in outside perspectives, trusting his team, and working collaboratively, the district has continued to improve its academic results. Listening builds trust, but leadership still requires decisions Before taking over as superintendent, Jeremy visited campuses to hear directly from staff, gathering more than 400 suggestions for improvement. He discusses how trust with staff and governing board members depends on transparency, follow-through, considering different perspectives, and making decisions that serve the district as a whole. About Jeremy Calle: Jeremy Calles serves as Superintendent of Tolleson Union High School District, bringing six years of experience as the district's Chief Financial Officer. His background spans finance, facilities, transportation, food service, and business operations. Calles is committed to supporting academic achievement, promoting responsible financial growth, and creating opportunities for the district's 12,500 students across the West Valley. With deep family ties to the community, he is passionate about listening to educators and staff, strengthening schools, and helping guide the district's continued growth, including plans for a new high school. Episode 357 of the Better Learning Podcast Our Partners Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) (https://www.a4le.org/) Education Leaders' Organization (https://www.ed-leaders.org/) Second Class Foundation (https://secondclassfoundation.org/) EDmarket (https://www.edmarket.org/) Catapult @ Penn GSE (https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/) Want to be a guest speaker? Submit a request on our website.

3. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Innovative Leadership in Education with Dr. Sarah Stone

   Jeff Kubiak sits down with Dr. Sara Stone, Superintendent of Albany Unified School District in California's East Bay, to discuss what it takes to lead meaningful change while building trust with a school community. With 32 years in education, Sara reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to superintendent and the lessons she has learned about leadership, collaboration, and putting students first. The conversation explores Albany Unified's $63.8 million Measure L bond, which passed with 72% voter approval, and how the district is approaching facility upgrades, wildfire resilience, HVAC improvements, and modernized learning environments. Sara discusses the importance of community engagement, making difficult decisions when funding cannot cover every need, and ensuring that student and family voices help shape the process. She also reflects on the challenges of her first year as a superintendent, the unique experiences of women in educational leadership, and why leaders need to slow down, build relationships, and bring people along rather than rushing to implement change. Key Takeaways: Build relationships before pushing for change Effective leadership starts with listening, understanding the community, and building trust. Leaders need to create shared understanding before moving forward with their ideas. Slow down and bring people along Even when leaders see a problem clearly, meaningful change takes time. Sara reflects on learning to question her assumptions, remain open to other perspectives, and work collaboratively rather than rushing toward solutions. Student-centered leadership means knowing every child Schools need to understand each student's strengths, needs, and experiences. Looking beyond overall performance data helps leaders identify who is being served well and who needs more support. Community trust shapes long-term investment Albany's Measure L bond passed with 72% approval, supporting investment in school facilities. Sara explains how surveys, town halls, and ongoing conversations helped the district understand community priorities and plan for its facilities needs. Leadership requires support and the willingness to listen The superintendency can be an isolating role, and even experienced educators face a learning curve. Sara shares the value of connecting with fellow superintendents, leaning on mentors, and recognizing that leaders do not have to navigate every challenge alone. About Dr. Sara Stone: Sara Stone is the Superintendent of Albany Unified School District and received her doctorate through UC Berkeley's Leaders for Equity and Democracy program. With 32 years in education, she has dedicated her career to creating equitable, inclusive, and joyful learning environments where all students can thrive. Sara began her career as a teacher in Redwood City before serving as a founding principal in Oakland, a principal in both Oakland and Boston, and later as Network Superintendent in Oakland. Her leadership experience also includes serving as Chief Academic Officer in Alameda, Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Chabot Space & Science Center, and Assistant Superintendent in Ravenswood City School District. She now leads Albany Unified with a focus on equity, rigor, and belonging for every student. Episode 356 of the Better Learning Podcast Our Partners Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) (https://www.a4le.org/) Education Leaders' Organization (https://www.ed-leaders.org/) Second Class Foundation (https://secondclassfoundation.org/) EDmarket (https://www.edmarket.org/) Catapult @ Penn GSE (https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/) Want to be a guest speaker? Submit a request on our website.

Who has been a guest on Better Learning Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Charlotte Nienhaus
• Erin Jennings
• Brian Proctor
• Brian K O’Keeffe
• Thea Wayburn

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

21,956

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 90 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

99

Social presence

91

YouTube

72

Engagement

85

Contact Better Learning Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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